We are in the second trimester of our third pregnancy. Sam is eight (almost nine) and Luke is now five years old. It's been almost a decade since our first pregnancy and it is amazing how little has changed. Don't get me wrong, there are all kinds of new contraptions, toys, fancy car seats, websites, and other advances that have occurred in the past ten years. What hasn't changed is the lack of information regarding the causes of Autism. Although there are numerous television shows with important characters who have Autism, awareness has reached an incredibly high level thanks to some incredible advocacy and awareness groups, and the debates among many still rage on. Still, when you become pregnant, there is no doctor, specialist, or other "expert" that can provide any conclusive evidence regarding what causes Autism. It is fairly common that people ask me about our concerns regarding whether our child will have Autism or not. Like all expecting parents, it is our continued hope and prayer that our child will be healthy. Over the next few weeks I am going to explore the challenges and excitement that come with having a child on the spectrum and expecting a newborn.

During our second pregnancy we were dealing with the storm of Autism. We had explored many of the well known therapies and had already spent a few years diving deep into early intervention. Instead of elaborate vacations or purchases, we were pouring nearly six figures a year into therapies alone and struggling to keep our lives in some order. Sam was definitely aware that changes were underway but showed little interest unless something directly impacted him. Little did he know that having a new baby in the family impacted every aspect of his life. When Luke was born Sam was not exactly sure how to handle the whole thing. Sam didn't want to have anything to do with Luke. If we asked Sam about baby Luke he would either leave the room or simply stare at him. Luke made noises, he laughed, he cried, and did all the typical things babies do. Sam had absolutely no interest. There were times when we would take Sam's hand and actually have to place it on Luke just so he had the experience of touching a baby on the arm. The first years were extremely tense, there was a lot of tears shed, and many fears to overcome.

Now, five years later, the boys are the very best of friends. They play like brothers do, they fight, they take each others food, they respect each other, they acknowledge each others strengths and weaknesses, and they defend each other like nothing I have ever seen. In many ways, Luke has taken on the role of big brother and be warned, if you mess with Sam you will have to deal with Luke. How different is this pregnancy than the last? Sam is beyond excited. I don't know if there are words to describe the level of energy and enthusiasm that Sam has for his soon to be brother/sister. Not a day passes without Sam asking, "Dad are you excited about the baby? I'm really excited. I can't wait to hold them."

Wow! What a difference a few years can make. Our fears are few and our joy is incredible. Luke is thrilled to be a big brother and have the opportunity to show P3 the ropes. The boys are convinced they are having a sister...but, they said they would be fine with a brother if that is what God has planned for us. Sam talks about what color the baby's room will be if it is a boy or girl, he explains to us how he will show the baby the DART Rail and Trinity Railway Express. The boys can't wait to have a slumber party and camp out with P3. Everyone is on the edge of their seat and counting down the days until we meet our new addition.

I can't predict the future and even if I could...I wouldn't want to. One thing Autism shows you is how precious every single day is. I thought I trusted in God my entire life. Then one day Sam was diagnosed with Autism and I learned exactly what it meant to be on my knees and handing everything over to the Lord. I know that you and I may have different belief systems and that our Faith may be one thing that makes us different. Regardless, we share this Autism journey together and being able to share our experiences as soon to be parents of three is sure to be an adventure. I hope you continue this journey with us every step of the way.